Summer
Summer
Summer
Summer
Jósef Zachariassen (b. 1995) is a Faroese pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer. Growing up in a small Christian community in the Faroe Islands was both a blessing and a challenge for Jósef. His childhood Sundays were filled with hymnal music performed by skilled musicians, deeply influencing his musical foundation. The church nurtured his love for music, sparking a lifelong passion that led him to pursue classical piano studies in 2015 and embark on a professional music career.
However, Jósef's conservative Christian upbringing also brought challenges. Some aspects of his early experiences were difficult and left a lasting impact on him. In 2020, he began to confront these issues, which unlocked new creative potential and allowed him to explore his talents not just as a pianist but also as a singer, songwriter, and music producer.
For years, Jósef distanced himself from the music most natural to him—hymnal, gospel, and pop—because of the complex emotions tied to his past. Instead, he immersed himself in classical, jazz, electronic, and experimental music, searching for his musical identity. Over the past few years, however, he has come to terms with his upbringing and embraced the music that shaped him. This reconciliation has led to a unique, authentic, and raw musical expression that blends his foundational influences with his evolving artistic vision.
In 2022, Jósef sought solace in a family cabin on the remote island of Fugloy in the Faroe Islands, seeking to escape the bustle of Oslo, Norway. This period of solitude allowed him to reflect on his musical identity and compose away from external distractions. The rugged beauty of Fugloy, with its dramatic landscapes and quiet isolation, became an essential source of inspiration, allowing Jósef to create music that was deeply personal and introspective.
The result of this transformative experience is his third album, Fugloy, which serves as both a reflection of his journey and a celebration of the island’s raw, untouched beauty. The album explores themes of solitude, identity, and reconciliation, blending Jósef's lyrical piano style with experimental and atmospheric elements. Recorded and refined over two years, Fugloy represents a turning point in Jósef’s career, capturing the interplay between his roots and his exploration of new creative horizons.
Through his music, Jósef invites listeners into the heart of his story—one of overcoming challenges, embracing authenticity, and finding peace in both the physical and emotional landscapes that have shaped him.
“I almost shat my pants at a Christian camp the summer I turned 9”
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With these words, Josef kicks off his second album, Summer. In a way, these few, but direct words hold the essence of the album’s message; A critique of dogmatic Christian communities, and a hope that people who struggle in such environments find the strength to break free.
Hailing from a lineage of preachers, Josef knows – for better and worse - the Faroese Christian environment very well. In Summer, Josef wishes to shed light on the taboos of Christian environments through his music and voice.
There is some truth and light in Christian communities, but with that light follows a dark shadow:
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- Josef spent every summer at a Christian children’s camp socializing and making friends. However, he was taught he would burn in hell for eternity if he didn’t accept Jesus Christ immediately.
- As a child, Josef attended a good Christian school. However, he was fearful of teachers who would threaten disobedience with a beating.
- Josef grew up in a loving and supporting family. However, he was disciplined through physical punishment.
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Because of this dualism, Josef had to learn to put on a mask resembling the best version of himself to fit in. In the summer of 2020, he couldn't keep his mask on anymore, and suffered a sudden mental health breakdown, hence the title, Summer. He spent the following year confronting and healing from his traumatic childhood memories, whilst simultaneously composing his latest album.
With Summer, Josef wishes to take a stand against the fear, shame, and mental abuse inflicted by dogmatic Christian communities. He does so by creating a musical universe filled with 80’s synthesizers, experimental indie-pop music, intimate vocals, direct and surrealistic lyrics, and lots of humor.
In 2018, Josef Zachariassen released his debut album, 24 Preludes, marking a significant milestone in his musical career. This collection consists of 24 short yet deeply evocative pieces, each embodying a unique musical character and emotion. Over a six-month period, Josef composed, performed, and recorded these preludes as part of his Bachelor thesis at the University of Stavanger, where he studied classical piano under Prof. Erling Ragnar Eriksen.
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The project became more than an academic requirement—it was a profound turning point in Josef's artistic journey. Immersed in the classical piano tradition since his early studies, Josef found himself yearning for a new creative direction. Through the process of composing 24 Preludes, he discovered the need to break away from the confines of classical norms to explore a freer, more experimental musical language. For Josef, this album serves as both a farewell to the traditional classical piano repertoire and a bold step toward his identity as a composer, unafraid to traverse uncharted musical territories.
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The pieces reflect the depth of Josef’s artistic range, drawing from his diverse influences—classical, jazz, hymnal, and experimental music. Each prelude captures a distinct mood or story, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of vivid contrasts and introspection. This bold departure set the foundation for Josef’s subsequent works, where he would further embrace his Faroese roots, personal experiences, and the broader spectrum of modern music.
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24 Preludes was not only well-received by audiences but also solidified Josef’s reputation as an artist committed to innovation and authenticity. The sheet music was later published by Musikforlaget A/S, making his work accessible to pianists and educators worldwide.
Today, the album stands as a testament to Josef’s artistic courage and creative evolution—a defining moment where he chose to forge his own path and embrace the unbound possibilities of music.
